Giving money to politicians is a form of citizen activity that is, in practical terms, reserved for a select group of Americans. As wealth and income have become more concentrated and the flow of money into elections has grown, campaign contributions give the affluent a means to express their voice that is unavailable to most citizens. This undoubtedly aggravates inequalities of political voice.

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The nation’s current campaign to expand democracy abroad should be a bugle call at home to make the birthright of all Americans — equal voice and influence in the affairs of government — more of a reality than it is today.